"Do you want me to take you home?" Adrien questioned, flicking his eyes in Marinette's direction, just a moment before returning his attention back to the road as he drove. Once they had gotten in the car Adrien cranked the heater, so though they weren't cold anymore, they were both still wet and uncomfortable, sodden clothes clung to damp bodies.
"Umm no not really. I'm still pretty shaken up and I don't want my parents to worry. But it's okay you can just drop me off at the train station and I can catch the train home when I'm ready." Mari spoke without looking at Adrien, her weary head pressed against the cool glass of the passenger side window.
"Mari, I am not going to dump you at the train station, especially not in your condition. We can just drive around for a bit if you want? I don't mind." Once again he glanced her way, noticing how she sat. Body pulled into herself, shoulders tense, arms wrapped around herself, head slumped limply against the window. So different from the happy carefree girl he had briefly gotten to know.
"Mari, did you want to talk about what happened? I don't want to pry but you seem really upset… and you were terrified when I ran into you. Did, did something happen to you? Did someone hurt you?" Adrians voice lowered, he almost whispered the last part, grip tightening on the steering wheel. He couldn't help his reaction, it was his job to protect people and with Hawkmoth being suspiciously quiet of late Adrien found himself often protecting civilians from everyday threats, Mari was no exception.
"If you don't mind, I'd like that, just for a little bit? Unless you have something else to do. But no, it wasn't anything like that. I think I just imagined it was all. You know overactive imagination." Mari looked at Adrien this time giving him a small smile, tapping her head with her pointer finger in emphasis.
"Imagined what?" from across the car he shot Mari a concerned look.
"That someone was following me, I thought I heard them call my name." Mari hugged herself tighter and ran her hands up and down her arms in an attempt to comfort herself, voice barely audible above the noise of the car engine and rain falling outside.
"But I'm sure it was just my lack of sleep catching up to me or something." Deep down Mari knew it was a lie, she had slept fine the night before and had a fairly restful weekend, all things considered. But still she couldn't convince herself that it had been real, it was too scary an idea to entertain.
The look on Adrien's face told her he didn't believe the lie either and yet he didn't push the subject. Just kept his eyes on the road, those beautiful lips pulled into a thin line, as if biting back anything more he might say. They sat like that in silence as Adrien drove, nowhere in particular just following the roads where they may take them.
Before long he looked over at Mari, a smile lighting up his bright green eyes as they twinkled at her. "Hey, did you wanna get something to eat? I'm absolutely starving and I can't think of anything better to have on a rainy night then crepes." Voice now light, in an attempt to move past the tension of their previous conversation.
Mari couldn't help but smile back at his excitement, her body slowly unfurling itself from the protective position she had curled it into.
"Yeah, sure I'd be up for crepes, chocolate and strawberry though, I think I need something sweet."
"Yes! I could, so go for something sweet! Where should we go?" Enthusiasm raised the pitch of Adriens voice slightly and Marinette couldn't help but giggle at seeing him so animated about something as simple as crepes.
"Well, I don't know this part of town all that well to be honest. How about we just stop at the first cafe we see and hope they aren't too expensive." Mari spoke considering their surroundings as she looked through the window. The still wet street sporting high end, expensive looking boutiques. Even closed Mari could tell from the elegant lettering that spelt out the boutiques names and sophisticated window displays that they had found themselves in one of the classier parts of Paris. Not far from where she lived but not somewhere she spent her time personally.
"Oh, oops my bad. I guess I must have just subconsciously headed back towards my place." Adrien lifted his arm and ran his hand through the matted golden locks of his wet hair. A slight blush warming his high cheekbones.
"That's okay, do you know of any good places to eat then?" Mari asked, some of her usual animaton coming back to her at the ease of their conversation.
"Hmm, not really. Having a chef and all I've never really gone out to eat much. But I like your idea of trying the first place we see. That could be fun… but I think we might have to grab it for takeaway." Adrien gestured down at his saturated attire. White dress shirt clinging across the broadness of his shoulders, sheerness of the wet material highlighting the solid and defined muscles in his thick biceps.
Mari found her eyes wandering down at his gesture; noticing the outlines of lean, soft diverts which hinted at abdominal muscles in the places his -practically see-through- shirt clung closely against his body. Stone washed blue jeans hugged his hips. God I bet he has those sexy V-lines running up from his hips Mari considered, biting her bottom lip at the sensuous images running through her head.
"Hey this place looks like it's still open, let's check it out." Adrien's voice pulled Mari back to reality, noticing her breath had turned shallow while she daydreamed of inappropriate things. Yup, it's official I'm a mess around him. Mari dragged her hand down her face, trying to collect her thoughts before replying.
"Sure, let's give it a try." Her words came out too loud as she tried to force enthusiasm into her voice. Adrien didn't notice, too busy pulling the car into an empty park in front of the aforementioned cafe.
Once pulled to a stop Adrien was out the door in an instant. Mari fumbled with her bag, she had previously sat on the floor under her legs. In a feat only possible for her, she had managed to get her feet and legs tangled in the strap of it. Before she had a chance to untangle the mess Adrien was opening her door for her.
"So, I was think-" Adrien stopped mid sentence upon the sight of Marinette before him, bursting out in a fit of laughter that came from deep within. Mari looked up pitifully with those big round eyes of hers, an arm now joined in the tangled mess.
Adrien's laugh sent a violent blush coursing from her neck to her ears as she looked down in defeat.
Adrien paid no mind to the embarrassment plastered on her face, instead he knelt on the wet sidewalk beside the open door and tenderly began to help Mari untangle herself. All the while chuckling softly to himself. "Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh. But you have to be the only person I know, apart from my mum who could manage to get themselves caught in their own bag. She was crazy clumsy".
Mari couldn't feel embarrassed for long, not when he looked at her like that. Genuine happiness had lit up his lightly tanned face, one of the biggest smiles Mari had seen him wear pulled up the corners of those perfect lips. Soon Mari found herself smiling back at him as they worked together to finish removing Mari's legs from the bag strap.
Finally untangled, Mari went to remove herself from the car seat, to find Adrien offering her his hand. Gingerly she took it, noticing the size difference as she did, Adrien's dwarfed hers in comparison. Jeesh, even his hands are attractive. I wonder if he's a hand model as well… or do all models just… model everything. Lost in thought Mari almost smacked straight into Adriens chest as he pulled her from the car, like she weighed nothing.
"Sorry! Sorry about that! I didn't mean to be so rough, you're just so, little…" Adrien spoke sheepishly gesturing at Mari with his hands.
"I am not little! Thank you very much. I think you will find you're actually just very… big…" Mari scoffed, in fake offence, hand gesturing up and down towards Adriens frame. "For your information I am the tallest woman in my family. And I've also been known to lift the occasional weight or two with Nino and Ayla!" Mari stuck out a hip and placed her hand on it for emphasise.
Catching on to her playful tone and glad that Marinette seemed to be feeling more herself Adrien played along. "Uhh hu. And how many other women are in your family exactly?" He questioned pressing a thumb and forefinger to his chin as if deep in thought.
Mari huffed up her chest before placing her other hand on her hip as well, in exaggerated sassiness. "Well, if you must know, just me and my mum, but that's beside the point, I'm not small, you're just a giant." Mari laughed as she pointed a finger up at Adrien.
"Now let's get inside, hopefully they have a heater and something I can eat. I didn't have time to get lunch today and I just realised that I'm starving." Before she even realised what she was doing Mari had linked her arm through Adriens, just like she would with Ayla and began heading towards the warm glow of the corner cafe.
After taking a few steps Mari came to a sudden stop, having realised that it wasn't In Fact Ayla's arm linked in hers but Adrien's. Gorgeous, perfect, model Adrien, who may as well be shirtless, what with the way that all but see through top hugged his chest. Before Mari could properly freak out though Adrien had tightened his arm around hers and continued on. As if it was the most natural thing in the world for them.
Inside, the cafe was all but deserted, Marinette and Adrien being the only customers in sight. The red headed barista behind the counter looked up from the phone she had been tapping away on. "Hi, what can I get for you? I didn't expect any customers tonight, not with the weather being like it is." With a gesture towards the empty streets, raining still gently pattering away.
"Yeah, we got caught out and figured why not make the most of it." Adrien shrugged his shoulders as he spoke. "Is it okay if we take a seat? I know we're all wet, but ahh I don't think we will be bothering anyone." He looked around at the empty tables.
"Sure! It will give me something to do at least! Sit over there, the heater blows straight on that table. It might help a little." A bright smile lit up the baristas face as she took in the state of their clothes. Her eyebrows rose as she no doubt noticed the sight of Adriens barely decent clothes.
"Ahh, can I get you something to drink?" Now frazzled, the girl handed over menus trying not to stare. Mari smiled, she could hardly blame her. All the while Adrien was blissfully unaware as he took the menu offered, flipping straight to the drinks page.
"Yeah thanks, something hot. How about, OOHH!" Adriens eyes lit up in excitement as he thought. "A hot chocolate! Like with marshmallows and stuff. Can you do that?"
"Ahh, yeah we have hot chocolate." The barista eyed Adrien with uncertainty over his reaction, before writing down the order on the little pad sitting on the counter. Mari smiled before she placed her order then walked over to the table nearest the heater.
"Hot chocolate huh? I thought you were on a strict nutritional plan, Mr Model." Mari probed playfully, as she took a seat opposite Adrien. The interior; like the rest of the little boutiques on the street, was sophisticated, yet simple. The entirety of the cafe had a panel of windows overlooking the street. A white and deep, almost navy blue colour scheme highlighted with gold accents, ran from the outside facade all the way through to the seating and even the menus, gave the place a very sophisticated look.
"I am, but you, see what my father doesn't know can't hurt him and with him away he will be none the wiser." Adrien gave Mari a sly wink before continuing. "So I fully intend to splurge while I have the chance, unless you plan on telling?"
Mari couldn't help but smile when she thought about how much more relaxed Adrien seemed in comparison to their last two meetings. He was more, himself, perhaps, more animated and excited even. Mari wondered if it had something to do with his father; fashion icon Gabrielle Agrest being away, but she didn't say as much. Instead continued to play along, enjoying the easy banter between them.
Hand to her chest in mock distress Mari retorted "why, I would never! Although, it would be a good chance for me to earn brownie points with one of the biggest names in fashion. That could be helpful for an aspiring designer." Mari giggled at the shocked, opened mouth expression on Adrien's face, before she continued.
"But with that being said, I don't think anyone should be denied hot chocolate and crepes, especially on a day like today. And especially when that person is soaking wet and rescued me from the rain, and my overactive imagination. So don't worry, your secret is safe with me." She smiled up at him kindly before reaching for her tea which had just been delivered to their table.
"Were you ready to order, or did you want a bit longer." The bubbly redhead stood at their table, notebook in hand, waiting to take their order. She had regained her composure over at the sight of Adrien, though Mari had noticed her sneaking glances between making their drinks.
"We haven't had a chance to look yet, but we were hoping to get crepes, maybe with like, chocolate and strawberries, any chance you have something like that?" Adrien fixed the girl with a crooked smile as he ran his hand through his hair, in an almost self conscious way.
"Oh my god! I know where I recognise you from now! You're Adrien Agrest! I knew you looked familiar." The barista squealed in excitement, all but jumping up and down on the spot. " I can't believe I didn't recognise you sooner, can I get an autograph? There is no way my sister will believe me when I tell her Adrien Agrest came into work."
Mari watched Adrien throughout the exchange, seeing him physically flinch once he had been recognised. Is this what it's like for him all the time? He can't even go out for crepes without people asking for an autograph? Mari frowned at how exhausting that must be.
"I'll tell you what, if you can organise some chocolate crepes for us, I promise I will give you my autograph, deal?" Adrien had recovered from his moment of discomfort and gave the girl a smile as he spoke. "And don't forget the strawberries, please."
He gave Mari an apologetic look while the girl continued to gush to herself as she scurried away with their order.
"Umm, sorry about that. It happens sometimes." Adrien had turned his attention back to Mari, but frowned when he noticed the look on her face, worried the attention had upset her.
"Is it like that all the time? Don't you get exhausted by it all?" Mari fixed her gaze on him, her bright bluebell eyes pinched together as she watched him.
"No, not always, I tend to go under the radar most of the time. Photoshop is a lifesaver for that, people only tend to notice me right after a big shoot, or at fashion events stuff like that. It can get...overwhelming, but at the same time if it wasn't for people like that, then I wouldn't really have a job. So I try to take it in stride, ya know?" Adrien looked out onto the now dark, empty street as he spoke.
"I hope that didn't upset you, or make you uncomfortable. Sorry I guess I hadn't thought about how it might make my friends feel when that kinda thing happens." He fixed his attention back to Marinette, waiting nervously for her response.
"No it's okay. Not going to lie, I definitely hadn't thought about it until then, but as long as you're okay with it. It just kinda sucks that you can't even get a hot chocolate without being bothered. I couldn't imagine being noticed like that, just all that time you know?"
Adrien was touched by her concern and smiled to himself as he flicked through the menu, before stopping to spin it so Marinette could see. "It does occasionally have some perks though." He pointed to the bottom of the menu, written in bold letters -BREAKFAST ONLY AVAILABLE TILL 12- above which was the breakfast menu, including crepes. His smile once again lit up his entire face, making those green eyes sparkle.
Shortly after, their crepes arrived at the table; piled high with strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, swimming in a sea of melted chocolate, a fine dusting of icing sugar topping off the delicious plate. "I think I might cry." Adrien whispered in a small voice, awe written all over his face. "My father would have a fit if he seen me eating this."
Mari giggled as she picked up a fork, "shh food now, talk later." Silently they began to devour the meals in front of them.
Crepes finished, the barista quickly cleared their plates, quickly returning with a pen and paper out of her little notebook. Once she reached them, she hesitated, flitting around the table too nervous to go any closer. Taking pity on the girl Mari looked at Adrien before gesturing towards her slightly with a tilt of her head.
Taking notice of the girl Adrien waved her over with a smile. "Sorry, what's your name?" He patted the empty seat at the table, inviting the girl to sit with them as he took the paper and pen from trembling hands.
"Oh, it's Allie. But, I can't believe it's you! I wish I had a photo from your latest shoot for you to sign. That would be amazing." Allie sat in the previously empty chair, elbows on the table leaning towards Adrian sas she spoke.
Adrien laughed as he handed back the piece of paper which now donned his signature and a note that read ~Dear Allie, thanks for the crepes and heater, Adrien Agrest ~. "Well next time we're in the mood for crepes we might stop in with one for you." Adrien shot Mari a wink as he spoke. We? Did he mean we like, me and him? Does that mean he wants to get crepes with me again? Or maybe he means he will bring Nino back…
"Wow, that would be amazing!" Allie beamed at Adrien clutching the piece of paper closely, then looking between Marinette and Adrien before jumping back to her feet. "Sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt, I better get back to work, so I don't get in trouble for harassing our customers. Thank you so much! I still can't believe it's you." Allie wandered back to the bar, in a dream like state.
"Plan on sneaking more crepes do you now?" Mari teased leaning across the table towards Adrien. Oh my god Mari, what are you doing? Are you trying to flirt with him? You don't know how to flirt! Stop embarrassing yourself.
Adrien replied as Mari berated herself internally. "Well that depends, if I have to rescue more pretty girls from the rain? Then absolutely." Adrien was now leaning forward as well, shorting the distance between them, so that Mari could feel the softness of his breath on her face. Startled by his reply Mari abruptly sat up straight breaking the moment between them.
"Umm, it looks like they're starting to pack up. We should leave so they can close." Mari gathered her bag which sat at her feet and began to stand, getting ready to go to the counter to pay.
"Yeah, I guess they are, so where did you want to go now then? We can drive around some more if you like? We're practically dry now too so it will be a lot more comfortable."
Mari gawked at him, she had hardly expected them to keep hanging out after they had eaten, hell she had expected him to simply drop her off at the nearest train station after he had found her screaming through the street like a mad person. Considering she had no doubt ruined the fancy leather seats in his car with her soaking clothes. But here he was almost, dare she say it-excited-to continue spending time with her.
"Here, you go start the car and get the heater running, it's your turn to drive. I'll fix up the bill." Adrien shoved a set of keys into her hand and practically shoved her towards the door as he reached into the pockets of his jeans fishing for his wallet.
"Wait, let me…" Mari had gone to remove her purse from her bag but the look Adrien threw her way could have cut glass, stopping her in her tracks, she let her hands fall away. Adrien then gave her a smile, "I wouldn't be a very good friend if I let you pay after the afternoon you've had, so please go start the car Mari."
Mouth open and a no doubt stupid look on her face Mari nodded in agreement before wandering off towards the car. The way he had said her name stirred something deep inside. A warmth blossoming and swirling around, threatened to become large, unstoppable and all consuming, if Mari wasn't careful.
…..